Gabriella Cilmi’s single Sweet About Me has been struggling around the UK top 40 for long time now, making slow progress and reaching number 18 this week, it’s highest position yet.

In contrast Sweet About Me is top of the charts in Cilmi’s native Australia for the second week. Her debut album Lessons To Be Learned has been in both the UK and Australian top ten.

Not bad start for a sixteen year old who’s vocals have been compared to Amy Winehouse and co. Its a sweet voice with a rasping depth, jazz and bluesy but also pop and does compare favourably to the very best female singers.

She has also followed in the great tradition of appearing on BBC’s excellent Later with Jools Holland, as an unknown in the UK.

I am mystified as to why it is such a slow burner in the UK. Incidentally the song is written by Xenomania the songwriting collective behind Girls Aloud, as is the album.

Here is her video. Gabriella Cilmi - Sweet About Me